Why Saints have Super Bowl buzz

Why the Saints are generating Super Bowl buzz

The Seahawks, Broncos and 49ers are obvious choices to top most preseason NFL power rankings. But for those in search of a slightly bolder pick to win the NFC, the Saints have become a trendy option.

New Orleans debuted at No. 5 in USA TODAY Sports’ post-draft power rankings, trailing only the three aforementioned teams and the Packers. And that optimism extends to the Saints’ players themselves, who aren’t afraid to set a high bar in the offseason.

Here’s why the Saints have people believing in their chances at this point in the summer:

1. Bet on Brees every time

Drew Brees threw for 5,162 yards and 32 touchdowns last year, yet those numbers still fell well short of his career bests. Since the quarterback’s arrival in 2006, New Orleans’ offense has never finished lower than sixth in the league in yards per game.

At this point, Brees’ masterful command will keep the offense running even as other parts are swapped in and out. That’s good news for the Saints, who lost do-everything running back Darren Sproles as well as wide receiver Lance Moore.

But first-round pick Brandin Cooks, who earned the nickname “lightning” in minicamps, looks tailor-made for the Saints’ offense. With tight end Jimmy Graham now under contract, the aerial output should be as good as last year and perhaps even better.

2. Expect more from the running game

No one will confuse the Saints’ offensive style with that of the Seahawks or 49ers. New Orleans ranked 26th in rushing attempts and 25th in rushing yards per game last season. But there are signs of encouragement for an increase in efficiency.

The Saints racked up 293 yards on 62 carries in two postseason games against the Eagles and Seahawks. Pierre Thomas has been the trusted starter, but he could give way to a motivated Mark Ingram. And Khiry Robinson showed impressive flashes in limited work at the end of the year.

3. All about Byrd

Few teams made as big of a splash as the Saints did in signing safety Jairus Byrd. Overlooked during his stint with the Bills, Byrd will team with rising star Kenny Vaccaro to give New Orleans the closest safety tandem to the Seahawks’ talented duo of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.

Most importantly, Byrd offers defensive coordinator Rob Ryan the versatility he loves. An impressive pass rush should only improve given the responsibilities Byrd can shoulder in the secondary.

4. Consistency

“Bountygate” is finally in the past. New Orleans’ year without Sean Payton at the helm was an aberration. This offseason should provide a sense of normalcy the team hasn’t had since 2011. And the defense is riding high after finishing fourth last year in its first season under Ryan.

The Saints might be second only to the Seahawks among NFC contenders in keeping their core together. Now, their aim is to take the same step that Seattle took last season.